THE National Stakes at the Curragh is to become the most valuable unrestricted juvenile race in either Ireland or Britain this year when its prize money is to be doubled to £200,000.
In a three year sponsorship deal with an option to renew the seven furlong Group One contest will be named the Aga Khan Studs National Stakes. It will be run on the same card as the Jefferson Smurfit Memorial Irish St Leger on September 21st.
The National Stakes has been won by such fine horses as Santa Claus, Sir Ivor, Roberto, Tap On Wood, El Gian Senor and Law Society.
The Aga Khan said yesterday: "Three generations of my family have been associated with Ireland and Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing.
It is as much a tribute to that long and happy association, as well as my wish, together with that of the Turf Club, to develop the National Stakes into a race that will attract the best European two year olds, that I am pleased my studs will sponsor this important race."
The Turf Club's senior steward Michael Osborne said: "We are delighted with the decision of His, Highness the Aga Khan to sponsor the National Stakes and are confident that the race will be a great success."
Mrs Anne Coughlan, owner of last season's leading filly, is to sponsor the Ridgewood Pearl Desmond Stakes (Group Three). The five year contract will guarantee the prize fund at £27,500.
In 1997, Goffs Bloodstock Sales will sponsor a new race on the Friday evening of the Budweiser Irish Derby Festival weekend. The Goffs Derby Festival Two Year Old Challenge will have a value of £100,000 and be restricted to graduates of the Goffs Challenge sale in October.
These announcements follow the extension of the Budweiser Irish Derby contract to 1999 and the increase in value of the Moyglare Stud Stakes from £100,000 to £150,000.
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